RECEIVE presentation and PROVIDE input on proposed local Active Transportation Program grant projects.  

The State Active Transportation Program is a competitive grant program that funds bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements and projects. The call for projects begins May 16, with applications due on July 31. Staff will present an overview of anticipated projects for this funding cycle. 

Approximately $492 million in federal funding, plus $400 million in state SB 1 gas tax money, or a total of $892 million, will be allocated in the upcoming Cycle 4 Active Transportation Program (ATP) for fiscal years 2019/20 through 2022/23.

The State Active Transportation Program was created by Senate Bill 99 of 2013. The program's purpose and goals are to increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking, increase safety for these modes, reduce greenhouse gases, enhance public health, and provide a benefit to disadvantaged communities. The program consolidated various transportation funding sources into a single program totaling approximately $123 million a year from a combination of state and federal monies. Most recently, SB 1 added $100 million per year to the program, nearly doubling the amount of available funds for active transportation projects. 

Monterey County jurisdictions have been successful in obtaining ATP funds. Examples of projects funded by the ATP in Monterey County include:

• Moss Landing trail segment of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail network
• Las Lomas bike and pedestrian improvements in North Monterey County
• North Fremont Street bike and pedestrian improvements in Monterey 
• West Broadway St bike and pedestrian improvements in Seaside
• Via Salinas Valley bike and pedestrian improvements and educational outreach in Salinas, Gonzales, Greenfield, Soledad and King City.

TAMC staff has been coordinating with local cities and the county to identify projects that will be competitive for the upcoming ATP funding cycle. For this funding cycle, the following agencies have indicated interest in submitting funding applications:

• Monterey County Health Department (with TAMC): traffic gardens, bike and pedestrian safety education in schools throughout the County

• Monterey County Resource Management Agency: pedestrian improvements, bike and pedestrian education in Castroville and Chualar, possibly San Lucas and San Ardo
• Pacific Grove: bike and pedestrian improvements on Forest Avenue and Sunset Avenue (Hwy 68)
• King City: San Antonio Drive bike and pedestrian improvements
• TAMC:  Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway (portion)

TAMC staff is coordinating the development of concept designs for the projects in Salinas and King City as part of the Monterey County Active Transportation Plan in order to support the development of ATP grant applications.